Detroit Lions, New York Giants coaches could’ve switched jobs

DETROIT (AP) – Both first-year coaches holding camp at Ford Field could have been leading the other team.

Pat Shurmur interviewed with his hometown Lions before New York hired him, and Matt Patricia was in talks with the Giants and ended up in Detroit.

“I felt like if it had worked out here, I would have been excited about the opportunity,” said Shurmur, who went to high school near the Lions’ training facility and was a Michigan State standout. “I certainly feel great about where I’m at. I couldn’t be in a better place. I pinch myself every day being the head coach of the Giants.”

Both coaches have another thing in common: refusing to provide any hints about their plans for their preseason matchup tonight.

Shurmur wouldn’t say if rookie running back Saquon Barkley or star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. will play. Patricia, meanwhile, wouldn’t say if quarterback Matthew Stafford or defensive end Ezekiel Ansah would play in their first preseason game.